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Mkhwanazi Reveals Ties Between Minister’s Chief of Staff and Controversial Associate
‘He Told Me He’s Very Close With the Minister’
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has painted a revealing picture of the inner workings of the Ministry of Police during his testimony before Parliament’s ad hoc committee. At the centre of his revelations: Brown Mogotsi, an individual Mkhwanazi was told is “very close” to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Mkhwanazi explained that he first became aware of Mogotsi in October 2024, when he received his number from Cedrick Nkabinde, the Minister’s Chief of Staff.
“I phoned Nkabinde to ask him. He told me that [Mogotsi] is very close with the Minister… but he’s not working for the department,” Mkhwanazi told MPs.
He confirmed that his earlier public reference to Mogotsi as an associate of the Minister came directly from information he received from Nkabinde.
A Chief of Staff Under Scrutiny
Mkhwanazi didn’t stop there. He described a deteriorating relationship with Nkabinde, whom he said was unprepared for the role of Chief of Staff.
“My impression is that Mr Nkabinde was appointed Chief of Staff and he had no clue what a Chief of Staff does. He had to learn as he went,” Mkhwanazi said, noting that Nkabinde even sought guidance from his predecessor.
Over time, Mkhwanazi grew concerned about Nkabinde’s political behaviour. According to his testimony, Nkabinde frequently showcased political allegiances on social media, displayed party T-shirts, and participated in political ralliesactivities Mkhwanazi felt were outside the scope of a Chief of Staff’s role.
“I started realising that maybe what I was hearing about his involvement in interfering with police work might be true,” he said.
Despite these concerns, the two continued to communicate through official channels in early 2025, often at departmental meetings and summits alongside the Minister.
Warnings and Unanswered Messages
One of their last substantive conversations, Mkhwanazi recounted, took place at the Beechwood Hotel in Johannesburg, where he warned Nkabinde that the truth would eventually emerge.
“I had a heart-to-heart talk with him… ‘Boss, the truth always comes out. So whatever is happening right now, it’s going to come out. You better be on the right side of the law,’” he said.
After a press briefing on 6 July, Mkhwanazi said their relationship effectively ended, with no further contact.
Frustrated with blocked attempts to raise concerns through official channels, Mkhwanazi sent a direct WhatsApp message to Minister Mchunu on 5 April 2025, requesting an urgent meeting to address internal issues affecting SAPS operations.
“It is my plea that the Minister calls the National Commissioner, key generals, Nkabinde, and Mogotsi in order to get to the bottom of the problem,” Mkhwanazi wrote, urging action to protect the integrity of police operations and morale of officers.
Mkhwanazi said Mchunu’s only response was brief:
“Your WhatsApp message was received. Will revert at some point.”
To date, he told Parliament, no follow-up has been received.
Public and Political Reaction
The testimony has drawn attention on social media, with commentators questioning the Minister’s oversight and Nkabinde’s political activities. Analysts note that the revelations highlight long-standing tensions between political appointees and operational leaders within SAPS, raising questions about political interference in law enforcement.
Experts say this case could become a bellwether for police governance in South Africa, as the committee continues its inquiry into allegations of covert operations, interference with the Political Killings Task Team, and irregular administrative practices.
{Source: IOL}
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